Tommy John Surgery: What is It and Why is Stephen Strausburg on Deck?

(CBS) Tommy John became famous as a Big League pitcher in the 1970s and 1980s, but today he's best known for lending his name to a surgical procedure.

In 1974, John became the first professional athlete to undergo surgical repair of the ulnar (elbow) ligament. Since then, the innovative procedure has been called Tommy John surgery - and it's helped countless injured collegiate and professional baseball pitchers (and some golfers) get back in the game.

PICTURES: Tommy John Surgery - Who's Had It?

The list of players who have undergone is a long and growing one. Most recently, the Washington Nationals announced that its young pitching superstar Stephen Strausburg was likely headed to the operating table, according to the New York Times.

Is your favorite player on the list?